The case for and against Brad Radke:
3 All-Star seasons according for averaged WAR. 3 All-Star seasons according to rWAR and 4 according to fWAR. 1 Top 10 finish in WAR (2004). Four top 10 seasons in WAR for pitchers (1998, 1999, 2000, 2004). Two top 5 finishes in ERA (1999 and 2004). One top 5 finish in wins (1997). 6 top 10 finishes in WHIP (1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005). One top 10 finish in strikeouts (1997). 8 top 10 finishes in shutouts (1995, 1997, 2000-2005). Two top 10 finishes in ERA+. Ranked #103 in my top pitchers of all-time. ERA+ of 113, not too far ahead of Jack Morris. Twice led the league in Home Runs Allowed. One All-Star Game. 4.22 career ERA.
Radke was one of my favorite pitchers. He pitched for the Twins when I was getting back into baseball. He also pitched through a severe shoulder injury that made him eventually retire. He wasn't noted as a big game pitcher because the Twins didn't win the World Series and only advanced to the ALCS once. Radke pitched six games and had an ERA of 3.60 much better than his career ERA.
I don't think Radke is a Hall of Fame player but he ranks higher on my ranking system than Jack Morris. The only things Jack Morris has over Radke is post-season heroics which doesn't amount to a whole lot when you look at Morris' failures, as well.
I would sooner put Radke in the Hall of Fame than Jack Morris but nevertheless I have to say that Radke would not get my vote for the Hall of Fame. Although he certainly warrants a little bit of consideration.
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